Lawfully Justifiedl (Bounty Hunter Lawkeeper Romance)

by Lorana Hoopes

  “Do you remember the first barn dance we attended?” he asked, ignoring her question and scooting closer again.

  Emma knew he was referring to the dance where they had cuddled in the haystack before being found by Samuel. She had thought then she was going to marry Carl, not necessarily because she loved him, but because he was nice to her and they got along. The concept wasn’t romantic but practical marriages were the way of the west and in a practical concept, they had made sense.

  “Yes, Carl, I remember, but that was a long time ago.” Emma pulled out the cheese and fruit and placed it on a plate in front of them.

  “It doesn’t have to be,” he said, leaning toward her. “We could share those feelings again.”

  “I’m sorry, Carl. This was a mistake,” Emma said, dropping the piece of cheese she had picked up and standing. “I thought we could revisit being friends, but it appears we have two different views of our relationship.”

  “Emma, wait,” Carl said, pushing himself up and reaching out to her.

  “No, Carl, I need time to think. I’ll see you later.” Before he could protest any further, Emma spun around and hurried home.

  * * *

  When William awoke, his throat felt funny. Stiff and sore but also cold. The cot he was on was stiff, though covered in a sheet, and the room felt sterile. A hospital? The memory of the bar fight flooded back. He was beginning to have very bad luck in saloons.

  William raised his hand to touch his neck but before his hand reached the skin, a woman entered the room.

  “Don’t touch,” she scolded. “It hasn’t had time to heal yet.”

  William opened his mouth to speak but his vocal chords did not seem to be working.

  “You can’t speak,” the woman said, coming closer. “Due to some bullet fragments shifting in your neck, your windpipe closed. The doctor was forced to perform a tracheotomy.”

  William’s eyes grew round. Though not sure exactly what that meant, it didn’t sound good.

  “He was able to retrieve all the fragments, and your neck should heal soon so we can remove the tube. The procedure heals quickly after that, but you’ll have to be careful to avoid injuring your neck in the future.”

  The door opened again, and a man entered. “Oh, good, you’re awake. Has Nurse Johnson informed you of your condition?”

  William nodded, knowing trying to speak would be useless.

  “Good, let me check the tube to see if we can take it out yet.”

  As the doctor came closer, William wondered how long he had been out. Would his mark even still be in town or would he be long gone by now? Did he even still care? If his neck wound did require him to stop bounty hunting, it would be the perfect excuse to retire and he couldn’t think of any place he’d rather do that than Sage Creek.

  “Alright, the wound is healing nicely. I’m going to remove the tube and we’ll let the wound close. You’ll probably need to stay while it’s healing but once it’s closed over, you should be free to go.”

  William nodded and closed his eyes as the doctor prepared for the procedure.

  Chapter Twelve

  How long are you going to hide from him?” Carrie asked Emma as they rolled out dough to make cookies. It was Saturday afternoon, a time when the girls tried to bake and talk, though usually Jennie was scurrying around their feet as they did. Today, she had gone with Pa and the boys into town to pick up a few things.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Emma said, averting her gaze and pretending to focus on the rolling pin.

  “Yes, you do. It’s been nearly a week since you went to the picnic with Carl and you’ve barely left the house since.”

  Emma sighed. “He was a great friend once, but now he’s obsessed with marrying me, and I just can’t do it.”

  “Because of William?” Carrie teased with a knowing smile.

  “It’s stupid, right?” Emma asked. “I ran him off by not listening to him and now I can’t stop thinking about him. I tell myself it would never work, but I can’t deny the attraction was there. Maybe not quite the same as Joseph, but close, and I never thought I would find that again.”

  A look of sympathy covered Carrie’s face. “Maybe he’ll come back,” she offered half-heartedly. “I know he cared about you.”

  Emma shook her head and rolled her eyes. “No, my impetuousness has finally caught up to me. I need to get used to the fact that he’s really gone and move on, but I can’t marry Carl just to marry someone. I’ll just have to hope that God forgives my wasting this opportunity and grants me another.”

  Before Carrie could reply, a knock sounded at the front door. The girls shared a look of confusion and trepidation. With the rest of the family in town, it was only the two of them in the house. While patients did come to the house on occasion, it didn’t happen often.

  “I’ll get the rifle,” Emma said. “Why don’t you go hide in our room?”

  Though fear shone in Carrie’s green eyes, she shook her head resolutely. “No, if you’re going to answer the door then I’m coming too.”

  “Alright,” Emma nodded, leading the way to the front door where the rifle was kept. The rapping came again as she grabbed the gun and checked to make sure it was loaded.

  “Carrie, on my count, open the door,” Emma said, bracing the gun against her shoulder as Samuel had taught her. “Now.”

  Carrie swung the door open and towards her, using it almost like a shield between her and the person on the other side.

  “William?” Emma’s voice was breathless with disbelief and she blinked her eyes a few times to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  “Hi, Emma,” he said as a crooked smile graced his lips. “Thanks for not shooting me, but are you going to make me stand out here all day or are you going to invite me in?” His voice sounded different, a little scratchier and the bandage around his neck didn’t look like the ones her father used, but it was William all the same.

  Still not trusting her eyes, Emma eased the hammer back down and nodded. “Of course, come in.” She lowered the gun and leaned it against the wall.

  “Hi, Carrie,” William said as he stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind him. A moment of awkward silence fell as the girls looked at William and waited for an explanation. He cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets.

  If Emma hadn’t known better, she would have sworn William was nervous, but she had never seen him nervous. Did bounty hunters even feel nervous?

  * * *

  William stared at his boots as he gathered his courage. Emma hadn’t kicked him out already so that was a good sign. Maybe Carrie or one of the other family members had told her his side of the story. Still, just because she was being civil didn’t mean she felt as he did and that was the scary part.

  What if he had ridden all the way out here to confess his feelings only to find out she was no longer interested? What would he do then?

  “I suppose you’re wondering why I’m here,” he said slowly as he raised his eyes to meet Emma’s.

  “The thought had crossed my mind,” she said with a smile.

  That smile bolstered his courage and William took a step her direction. “I came back for you, Emma. I know we didn’t leave on good terms, and I thought I could forget you, but the whole time I was bringing Monroe in, you were all I could think of. I don’t know how you got in my head, Emma Stewart, but I can’t seem to get you out.”

  “Oh,” Carrie sighed, grabbing both Emma’s and William’s attention. “That’s so romantic.”

  “Out,” Emma said to Carrie, pointing to the kitchen before grabbing William’s arm and leading him into the living room. She sat on the couch and motioned for him to sit beside her which William did willingly. He longed to reach out and take her hand, but he restrained himself.

  “I can’t believe you came back.” Her eyes were focused on her lap, and her voice was barely more than a whisper. “I thought I was justified in my anger at you, but even before
Carrie told me the whole story, I began to regret pushing you away. Of course by the time I swallowed my pride, you were already gone.” Her eyes flicked up to his. “I honestly never thought I’d see you again.”

  It was the invitation he needed. He could see her heart in her jade eyes and he reached for her hand, enjoying the delicate feel of her skin against his.

  “I wasn’t sure I would ever see you again either,” he said, “but as I lay in the hospital bed healing this week, I found that I didn’t care about the money or the adrenaline any longer. I only cared about you.”

  Emma’s eyes widened, and her gaze shifted to the bandage around his neck. “Did you re-injure it?”

  His lips pulled into a tight smile. He had to tell her, but he hoped the truth wouldn’t scare her away. “I didn’t get out of the way fast enough when a fight broke out in a saloon. The punch shifted some bullet fragments and cut off my air supply. They were forced to do a tracheotomy until I could breathe again, but they think they got all the pieces this time. I’ll always have a scar, Emma, and I don’t know that there won’t be complications later. I know I’m not offering you much, but I’m offering you all I have.”

  Tears shimmered in Emma’s eyes as she shook her head. “You stupid man. I don’t care about a scar or complications. My father is a doctor, remember? I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  William wiped a tear from her eye and left his hand on her cheek. She sighed and leaned against it for a moment before jerking up.

  “I can’t leave Sage Creek though, William. I’m not the kind of woman who would enjoy the life of a bounty hunter.”

  “I guess it’s a good thing I gave it up then,” he said with a smile and then, even though he knew he probably shouldn’t, William leaned forward and touched Emma’s lips with his own. It was only a moment, but it was enough to solidify any lingering doubts he had. This woman was his future.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Emma ran the brush through her long blond hair one last time as she regarded her image in the mirror.

  “If you don’t stop brushing it, it may all fall out,” Carrie teased from across the room.

  “Can that happen?” Jennie asked with wide eyes.

  “No, of course not,” Emma answered with a laugh. “Carrie is just teasing me.”

  “I wouldn’t have to if you would stop preening in front of that mirror. You look lovely.”

  Emma glanced down at her dark green velvet dress. The neckline was wide and showed off her slender shoulders and the color complemented her eyes. It wasn’t a new dress, but it was one William hadn’t seen yet, and she hoped he would enjoy it.

  “I just want it to be perfect,” Emma said, running her hand down the dress to smooth out any wrinkles. “It’s our first dance together.”

  “And it won’t be the last,” Carrie said crossing to the mirror and checking her own reflection. “I bet William proposes to you any day now.”

  Emma couldn’t help but smile at the thought. The signs were all pointing that direction. He had begun building a homestead near her father’s house as she had told him this side of town was her favorite. At this point, he didn’t have to work as he had saved most of his money from his bounties and had plenty to finish the house and live comfortably until he decided what he wanted to do next.

  “I hope so,” Emma said. “I’m so glad Pa and everyone appears to have accepted him into the fold again.”

  “Well, everyone except Carl,” Carrie joked.

  Emma’s face fell as she thought of Carl. He was the one hitch in her happiness. Ever since William had returned, and they had begun attending town functions together, Carl had become stoic and reclusive. Emma hadn’t wanted to hurt him, and she truly hoped he would find a woman who could truly appreciate him soon, but she also had to do what was right for her.

  “Can we go now?” Jennie asked, breaking the somber mood that had fallen on Emma.

  “Yes, Jennie Bean, let’s get out of here,” Emma said, taking the little girl’s hand and pulling her out of the room.

  * * *

  William sucked in his breath as Emma entered the living room. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at Jennie beside her, and the green of her dress was breathtaking. He couldn’t believe she was actually his.

  “You look beautiful,” he said as he took a step toward her.

  “Why thank you, William,” she said and flashed him her special flirtatious smile.

  The rest of the family filed into the room, and after checking to make sure all needed items were accounted for, they exited the house and began the short walk to the barn.

  Lighted lanterns hung from the open doors creating a soft romantic glow. William couldn’t have been happier. This would be the perfect setting for the question he wanted to ask Emma.

  As soon as they were inside, Jennie and Benjamin raced to the back to begin sampling the food. Doc Moore wandered over to some of the other men and Samuel and Carrie split off to find their friends.

  “Shall we dance?” William asked as he led Emma toward the dance floor.

  “I’d love nothing more,” she answered.

  As his arms circled her, William thought again how perfect a fit she was in them. He had never expected to fall in love with another woman after Catherine, but as he twirled the beautiful blond woman around, he knew he had done just that. Yet he wasn’t scared. In fact, he was exhilarated. The thought of a life with her filled him with excitement each day.

  “You’re not a bad dancer,” Emma teased up at him.

  “I’m actually a very good dancer,” he responded. “It just takes me a minute to warm up.”

  “By the end of the night, I expect to be amazed then.”

  He tightened his grip on her and pulled her closer. “I’m amazed every day I spend with you,” he whispered down at her.

  A rosy pink color flooded her cheeks, and she shook her head. “Flattery will get you nowhere Mr. Cook.”

  “Well, then how about this?” Though the music played on, he stopped moving and dropped to one knee. “Emma Stewart, you have reopened my heart to God and to love and for that I am truly thankful. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  A silence fell as the crowd around them realized what was happening. Even the music stopped. Emma glanced around before returning her gaze to him. “Of course I’ll marry you, William.”

  Clapping and cheers erupted around them, but William barely heard them. He stood, scooping the woman he loved up and twirled her around. Though he had not thought it possible, he had finally found his way home.

  The End!

  P.S. If you want to know what happens with Carl, stay tuned for the Sage Creek Saga books coming soon and keep an eye out for William’s and Emma’s wedding story!

  It’s not quite the end!

  * * *

  Did you enjoy — Lawfully Justified? If you did, please leave a review. It really helps. http://amzn.to/2C3BXfd

  You won’t want to miss the other ones in the series!

  Turn the page for a sneak peek!

  The Other Books in the Series

  Up next for release - Lawfully Yours: A Bounty Hunter Historical Lawkeeper Romance by Ginny Sterling 1880

  Cleburne, Texas

  Emily Jessup stared at the strikingly beautiful courthouse on North Caddo Street. It loomed towards the sky, intimidating to behold. Scroll work along the building showed quite a bit of money was spent towards the construction, making it quite the behemoth in the small town. She prayed that she’d be lucky enough to never see the inside of it. She and her brother Elias, had left home long ago desperate for a better life. They wanted a bit of those funds used for the courthouse, a bit of financial security. Her parents had been hardworking all their life, but never seemed to be able to get ahead. It was always a struggle to put food on the table or keep the fires going in the hearth, but her parents were happy.

  They were not. http://amzn.to/2GDMiN8

  Next up by Lorana Hoopes: Lawfully Redeemed: A K9 Con
temporary Lawkeeper Romance http://amzn.to/2ucr5bv

  Lawfully Loved: A Texas Lawkeeper Romance by Jenna Brandt: http://amzn.to/2skQmiX

  Lawfully Matched: A Texas Lawkeeper Romance by Lorana Hoopes http://amzn.to/2sj3m8T

  Lawfully Adored: A K9 Contemporary Lawkeeper Romance by Jenna Brandt http://amzn.to/2sDk6aL

  Lawfully Held: A K9 Contemporary Lawkeeper Romance by Elle E Kay http://amzn.to/2HGmUYv

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  About The Author

  Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational author originally from Texas but now living in the PNW with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be seen kickboxing at the gym, singing, or acting on stage. One day, she hopes to retire from teaching and write full time.

  Also By Author

  If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Lorana’s other books.

  When Love Returns: The first in the Star Lake series. Presley Hays and Brandon Scott were best friends in High School until Morgan entered their town and stole Brandon’s heart. Devastated, Presley takes a scholarship to Le Cordon Bleu, but five years later, she is back in Star Lake after a tough breakup. Brandon thought he’d never return to Star Lake after Morgan left him and his daughter Joy, but when his father needs help, he returns home and finds more than he bargained for. Can Presley and Brandon forget past hurts or will their stubborn natures keep them apart forever? http://books2read.com/whenlovereturns